By John Dike, Osogbo
To boost safety awareness and improve emergency preparedness, Osun State Government has started fire safety and disaster management training for public and private secondary schools statewide.
The programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education, kicked off at Osogbo Grammar School.
It was flagged off ceremony by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Abdulrasheed Kayode Aderibigbe, who reiterated Governor Ademola Adeleke’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He said, “This administration places a premium on the safety of every citizen in Osun, which is why this sensitisation effort is being extended beyond schools to markets, worship centres and local communities.”
He advised participants to regard the training as a continuous exercise that will sustain awareness and build capacity for fire prevention and disaster response.
“Disasters give no warnings. The knowledge acquired here today should be applied not just in schools, but also in homes and workplaces to protect lives and property,” he added.
The acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Oladimeji Adenike, lauded Governor Adeleke for initiating the programme, urging education stakeholders to ensure the safety messages are widely disseminated in all schools.
Also speaking, the Director of Private Schools in the state, Alhaji R.O. Kareem, described the initiative as timely and commended the governor for his proactive approach to public safety.
The training included practical sessions on the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and basic first aid techniques, equipping participants with essential life-saving skills.
Roll call at the event included the Director of Fire Service, Engineer Ismail Alimi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Matters, Hon. Henry Oyebade; as well as officers from the state fire service.
